Head of armed militia wing in São João de Meriti arrested with rifle
Marlon Aurélio Gomes de Souza, known as "Taz", was detained in the Baixada Fluminense with tactical weaponry and is identified as the operational leader of a paramilitary organisation.
Armed militia leader in Pau Branco Complex captured with rifle and tactical vest
Rio de Janeiro's Civil Police arrested, on the morning of Wednesday (16), Marlon Aurélio Gomes de Souza, known as "Taz", identified as head of the armed nucleus of a militia dominating the Pau Branco Hill Complex in São João de Meriti, in the Baixada Fluminense. According to cnnbrasil.com.br, the man was a fugitive from justice for qualified homicide.
"Taz" was located through data gathering conducted by DRACO — Delegacy for Suppression of Organised Criminal Actions — and arrested in flagrante with possession of a rifle, magazines, ammunition, ballistic vest and other tactical materials. Among the items seized was a vest with the inscription "Taz Team".
There was an outstanding preventive arrest warrant issued by the 1st Criminal Court of São João de Meriti against the suspect, for involvement in completed homicide and attempted homicide against public security agents. The court order also mentions that those involved would integrate a criminal organisation of private militia, with use of restricted firearms.
According to investigations, Taz Team constitutes the armed wing of the paramilitary structure that controls the Pau Branco Hill Complex — formed by Pau Branco Hill, Amor Hill and Venda Velha. This nucleus is responsible for the armed operations of the group in territorial disputes, for the security of dominated areas and for the imposition of control over the local population.
The organisation as a whole is led by Evandro da Costa de Souza, identified as "Monstrão" or "Vando", who remains a fugitive with an outstanding arrest warrant. The function of "Taz" was operational: to lead the sector in charge of providing armed support to the group's exercise of control.
According to the Civil Police, the organisation resorts to violence and intimidation to impose fear on residents and maintain control of the localities, also practising extortion against residents and merchants in the region.
Investigations are continuing with the aim of identifying and capturing the other members of the criminal organisation, including "Monstrão".
Source: Google News BR — Crime